New Pride Inc. director enthused about improving, learning about Alton-Godfrey

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GODFREY — On the job nearly four months, Pride Inc.’s executive director still is enthusiastically learning about the Alton-Godfrey area while energizing and moving the beautification organization forward.

“It feels really great to finally work in my own community to support its own growth,” said Monica Semnacher, who works part time for Pride Inc. “I’m really fortunate to be working with amazing mentors and citizens who really anchor me.”

In a joint-hire effective March 1, Semnacher, 33, also is part-time executive director of Greater Alton Community Development Corp., which focuses on improving and stabilizing neighborhoods in Alton, particularly mid-city Hunterstown. Several years ago the group built — and sold — two single-family homes in the 1000 block of East Fourth Street and plans other projects.

“In the two organizations I find a lot of overlap and they complement each other nicely,” she said. “They both want to elevate pride in the neighborhoods. With both jobs I am working to celebrate, preserve and create new initiatives. Alton has a great history to preserve, but we also need to move on. I want to bring along new initiatives. Our long-term goal is for people to feel excitement and pride in the area. There is so much good going on to make this a happy place to live.”

She said she is considering getting teenagers involved in the group to help beautify and clean up Alton and Godfrey, likely starting by working with the two local high schools. Later, she may consider possibility of re-activating the youth arm of Pride Inc., that has been inactive for years.

“I am passionate about teenagers, getting them involved in the community is important with the work we do,” she said.

Pride Inc. is based at 6722 Godfrey Road, Godfrey.

Semnacher earned a bachelor’s degree in sociology and anthropology, with minors in environmental studies and business from Principia College in Elsah. She and her husband, Jess, the head coach of men’s soccer at Principia, live in the old, Middletown neighborhood of Alton with their two dogs. She said she likes running through the city to familiarize herself with Alton. “I love being out in the community learning about small businesses and learning about them,” she said.

For the past 10 years, Semnacher was the St. Louis Program director/facilitator for Whatever It Takes (www.doingwit.org), a college credit social entrepreneur course for high school students. “It is a nationwide program and I taught the class out of the CIC@CET in the (mid-town) Cortex District of St. Louis,” she said.

Carolyn MacAfee, president of the Pride Inc. board of directors, said it has been more than a year since the non-profit organization had an executive director and Semnacher already is making a difference.

“It is a real benefit to Pride to have a face in our office,” said MacAfee, also Alton 2nd Ward alderwoman. “Before we had no one to answer the phone.”

MacAfee said the board meetings are better organized and move along more efficiently since Semnacher arrived. “We’re working very well, moving a lot faster and getting things done having an executive director.” She said Semnacher particularly is good at communicating with board members “about what is happening.”

“There is no lack of communication,” MacAfee said.

Pride Inc., recently finished adding large planters and filling them with plants at Statehouse Square in Alton. Last month was its 30th annual Bucket Brigade with volunteers painting area homes of people who cannot do it themselves or pay for the work. Pride Inc. also honors residents’ beautification efforts with its “Home of the Month” and “Eye” awards.

Every other year, Pride Inc., holds a fund-raising garden tour.

One more, “Dine Out for Pride Inc.,” fund-raiser remains this month at Tony’s, 312 Piasa St., on June 27. The restaurant will donate 10 percent of proceeds that night to Pride Inc. Another forthcoming fund-raiser will be at 6:30 p.m. July 6, a family-friendly event tied to performance of Beauty and the Beast at Alton Little Theater. Besides the play, the $25 ticket covers beer, wine, other beverages and hors d’oeuvres.

To buy tickets, go to “Pride Incorporated” Facebook page.

Pride Inc.’s Mel Price Locks and Dam 26 party will be in September; and a roast of Godfrey Mayor Mike McCormick will be held in November.